Without adequate assessment, dyslexia can seriously impede the educational achievement and future career opportunities of affected children.

The condition was first described in the British Medical Journal in 1896 by William Pringle-Morgan. He was a GP whose 14-year-old patient had severe reading difficulties, but no other impairments.

Dyslexia research and assessment have come a long way since then, and our upcoming conference on dyslexia. Dyslexia: from assessment to intervention, offers a comprehensive introduction to this developing area.

It will be really useful for anyone interested in supporting those with dyslexia and literacy difficulties and offers the chance to meet those working at the forefront of this area.

About the day

The precise causes of dyslexia remain a controversial subject and key points of contention in the dyslexia literature will be one topic of discussion during the one-day event, which will be held on the 29 September near Cardiff, UK.

One of the key themes of the conference will be how accurate assessment can illuminate a clear pathway for practitioners, ultimately leading to individualised interventions for children or young people.

The conference is essential for anyone interested in, or working with, children and young people with literacy difficulties or dyslexia, including educational psychologists, special educational needs co-ordinators (SENCOs) and specialist teachers.

Delegates will leave the conference with a broader understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of different assessment approaches and have to opportunity to familiarise themselves with effective intervention pathways for literacy difficulties.

For those who are unable to attend we are offering open access to a live stream of the event. Everyone can follow on Twitter using #Dyslexia_2017. Those following the day through the live stream will gain an electronic attendance certificate.

About the speakers

Speakers will include Prof Maggie Snowling, University of Oxford. A fellow of the British Academy, the Academy of Medical Sciences and the Academy of Social Sciences, Prof Snowling was awarded a CBE in 2016 for her work improving the scientific understanding of dyslexia.

Also speaking will be Professor Julian Elliott, Durham University. He will outline the current debates in dyslexia research, incorporating best evidence from multiple disciplines and questioning the very concept of dyslexia itself.

They will be joined by Dr Gavin Reid, an educational consultant who works worldwide providing dyslexia assessment. He has published practical guides on helping those with dyslexia in a range of educational settings.